Camilla, the current Outreach Assistant at DAKTARI Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage for the next 9 months. She is French and has grown up in Morocco; she is now out to explore new territories!
What is your favorite travel memory?
I have grown up traveling so I have numerous great memories! However, one of my favorites was the first time I set foot in Sub-Saharan Africa.
I was 15 years old when we decided with my parents to plan a trip between Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. My father told me that it was my responsibility to plan the itinerary of the trip as I was the one who chose the destination! It was a wonderful trip full of amazing discoveries and quality time with my family and I will always cherish it!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have grown a lot since I first came to DAKTARI 5 months ago. I have learned so much about South Africa and its culture but also about myself! Indeed, being in charge of the outreach program has taught me a lot about the daily life of the kids in the Limpopo region and also gives me a whole new perspective on the issues that the country is currently facing.
I came here with a will to help educate children about their environment but they are definitely the ones teaching me. The more time I spend with my students the more they teach me about respect and being happy with what you have, I learn from them every day!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
At DAKTARI, we have plenty of amazing success stories about the work we do here. For me, one of the most amazing stories was how much my Eco Club students wanted to get back to our DAKTARI camp to see all of our animals!
The Eco Club is taught weekly; every Tuesday and Thursday and all of our kids decide to take part in it, which makes it a very special place! After the 6 weeks cycle where we are supposed to move on to a new group, all of the students insisted on coming to see us at our camp! It did happen in the end and it was amazing, a day to remember! The kids were so thrilled to be at camp, they helped out with all the chores and I even got to see how they remembered what they were taught in the lessons!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would stay in the outreach program! It is so impactful and full of surprises. You get to interact with local kids and teach them about the environment, it is really amazing!
I am in constant contact with the local communities and we try to find efficient ways to solve issues that they are facing. Furthermore, you get to go out and spend time in the village, which is also a great highlight!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
DAKTARI is unique that's for sure! It is a place where people are united by the same purpose of doing good for others and the planet.
I am highly inspired by the people that work here but mainly by Michele, the co-founder. She is doing an incredible job of keeping the organisation going and still has a passion for what she does. You feel part of the family here and this is something that is so special with this place, this is what I am particularly proud of.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe that passion and enthusiasm are what make a company successful.
Passionate people make great work as they will want to push the company as far as possible! And here at DAKTARI, we have a lot of passionate people that want to do good! We are all working towards the same united goal, which is I think key to our success!